Ryanair must start flying to more business destinations if they’re going to make a “serious dent” in the corporate travel market, according to GTMC chief executive Paul Wait.
Ryanair recently announced plans to target business travellers in 2014, with a new business product that will enable passengers to access flexible tickets, reserved seating and fast-track through selected airports.
The airline also appointed Lesley Kane as its new head of groups and corporate travel, to help lead this move.
Speaking to BBT about Ryanair's expansion plans, Wait said the airline is at a disadvantage because from London it only operates out of Stansted and doesn’t fly to many business destinations.
“There aren’t many frequent UK business travellers who will fly from Stansted, so in essence that has to change first, he said.
“Until they’ve got good networks and business destinations, I just don’t see them making a serious dent in the corporate market, and it will take more than a new sales person for this to happen,” he added.
Wait also said the move might be due to Easyjet’s “very successful” move into this sector. “Ryanair might have been looking at Easyjet’s model and getting rather jealous,” said Wait.
“However, I don’t feel Easyjet is regarded as a low-cost carrier anymore. They’re a very efficient airline and now have a good business product, especially with the adding of new routes to Brussels, Paris and Moscow. So from a business travel perspective they’re definitely not a rival.”